On Monday, the Coimbatore health department started a two-week campaign to prevent diarrhea among children.

Dr. P Aruna, deputy director of health services said that every year 10% of children under five suffer from diarrhoea.  She further added that “Nearly one lakh children in that category die because of the disorder. The Union government has advised health departments to conduct intensive diarrhea camps.”

Throughout the district, intensive diarrhea prevention and check-up camps will be organized from July 1 through July 30, at Anganwadi centers, urban wellness centers, primary health centers, and government hospitals. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) would be administered to the children.

According to the department, around 3.37 lakh kids will be screened this year. Officials have advised parents to get their children checked in these camps for any diarrhea symptoms and get the ORS sachets, which are essential to restore the water and mineral loss during diarrhea. (Times of India, Jul 19, 2022)